Can a city fight crime by spending on help for troubled youth?

Does Rochester spend its money for public safety wisely? Should resources be diverted from policing functions to helping young people at risk of being offenders? Are Rochester area people mentoring young people enough?

That's the subject of an online forum on Rochester, troubled youth and public safety spending today at 2 p.m.

This focus on prevention was a key discussion point during a forum staged by MPR News and the Post-Bulletin of Rochester on February 1 at the Mayo Civic Center.

Public Defender Janet Krueger's comments that night set the stage...

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Krueger is scheduled to participate in this online discussion (2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11).

We have invited a city councilman, Michael Wojcik, who has thoughts about where the city ought to aim public safety spending. Check out this video to see and hear more about the conversation.

Then go to the conversation when it happens below. Join in...